Released: June 28, 2012

JHK and Duncan speak to a group of NextGen New Urbanists during the Congress for the New Urbanism held in West Palm Beach, Fla. this May 9-12. NextGen New Urbanists are young professionals participating in the New Urbanist movement. Jim asks the group to tell him what they’re up to and what’s next for New Urbanism. After a quick history of the NextGen movement, topics include: Resettle America, the Braddock PA Initiative, Tactical New Urbanism, Growing Culture and more.

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_209.mp3

( 26 MB | 35:21 mins.)

Also check out the Congress for the New Urbanism YouTube Channel for videos from the latest congress.

JHK & John Norquist talk New Urbanism

Released: May 24, 2012

This episode features a conversation between JHK and CNU President and former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist and was recorded before a live audience during the Congress for the New Urbanism in West Palm Beach, Fla. this May 9-12. Kunstler and Norquist field questions from audience members on a variety of New Urbanist topics.

[Note: The server that hosts our media files was down yesterday for an extended time and was not accepting file uploads. The problem was resolved at approx. 11:30 p.m. – DC]

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_206.mp3

( 48 MB | 54:33 mins.)

JHK & Duncan at Union College Humanities Seminar

Released: April 19, 2012

James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary record a podcast before a live student audience at Union College, in Schenectady, N.Y. As part of a Humanities Super Seminar on liberal arts and activism, the students read The KunstlerCast book. During the podcast Jim and Duncan riff on college architecture and the Union campus before opening up the discussion to questions from the class. Topics include: the value of a liberal arts education in The Long Emergency, monocultures concentrating poverty in the built environment, the prospects for restoring passenger rail in North America and more. Along the way Jim also delivers a call to millennial students to renounce their student loans.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_202.mp3
(32 MB | 50:15 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

“The Heirloom,” by Richard Davies, explores a post peak world where a group of Native Americans comes to terms with a dangerous and chaotic world. Guy McPherson, of Nature Bats Last, says, “Ultimately, The Heirloom is a wide-ranging tale about the human experience. It is about life, love, death, honor, and people struggling to make their way in a world not of their choosing.”

Part one of a trilogy, “The Heirloom” is available through Amazon in both paperback and eBook. The second book in the trilogy will be available late Summer 2012. Visit: http://theheirloom.blogspot.com/

Citizens React to Tragic Death With Calls to Demolish Train Bridge

Released: Jan. 12, 2012

Painting of bridge by JHK

After a tragic death, citizens in the Albany area are clamoring to tear down an old train bridge that is already slated to be re-opened as a bike-hike trail. JHK & Duncan examine this story and explain why we must save historic infrastructure like the bridge in question.

Links:

A long night at work, a sudden fatal slip
A bartender’s walk home on New Year’s Eve ends in a fatal fall from trestle
By STEVE BARNES, Times Union, Monday, January 2, 2012

Times Union Blog (with comments by Duncan

Petition: Demolition of the Black Bridge
(The petition to demo bridge, with contact form for creator)

New plans for an old Cohoes bridge begin to take shape
CBS 6, Jan. 3, 2012

Letter: Tearing down trestle not answer
Times Union, Thursday, January 5, 2012

Dangerous road claims another life
Poor lighting and lack of crosswalks add danger; fifth pedestrian killed
By DENNIS YUSKO, Times Union, Jan. 3, 2012

Lord Whimsy

UPDATE: David Dobbs (petition guy) just won’t quit. Bridge petition to hit Mayor’s desk, WNYT, Jan. 16, 2012.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_189.mp3
(51 MB | 41:29 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Join Duncan at Fun Event:

Gregg Stacy, VP of Brown’s Brewing Co., and Troy author/podcaster Duncan Crary flex their manly vocal stylings to promote The Festival of Manliness this Jan. 22 at Revolution Hall. After wrestling a live sabre-toothed tiger on the airwaves, Gregg and Duncan have a serious talk with Rick Lyke, founder of Pints for Prostates, about the importance of getting regularly screened for prostate cancer. A portion of the proceeds from The Festival of Manliness will benefit Pints for Prostates and their awareness campaign.

Download Podcast .mp3 (20 MB)
BrownsBrewingCo_Manliness.mp3

P.S. Check out KunstlerCast #76: Man Caves

Not All Buildings Are Worth Saving

Released: Oct. 21, 2011

Jim and Duncan talk about Historic Preservation on their return drive from the annual conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, held in Buffalo this week. This show includes an excerpt from the keynote address Jim gave to kick off the conference. During the talk JHK explained to preservationists that not all buildings are worth saving — particularly the modernist architectural abortions of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Note: This episode contains cursewords

Watch JHK’s full talk to the National Trust for Historic Preservation here:

Video streaming by Ustream

Upcoming:

KunstlerCast Book Release Party
Nov. 1, 2011
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Daisy Bakers, Troy NY

Books Available for Purchase via website next week!

JHK & Andres Duany Critique the Landscape Urbanism

Released: July 21, 2011.

JHK continues his critique of Charles Waldheim’s presentation on Landscape Urbanism, delivered at the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). This episode also includes remarks by New Urbanist leader Andres Duany and a listener quesion from a conferencegoer.

[Note: This episode contains cursewords.]

Links:

Watch Charles Waldheim’s Presentation at the Closing Plenary of CNU 19

JHK Critiques Charles Waldheim’s Remarks

Released: July 14, 2011.

In recent years there has been a growing debate between New Urbanism and Landscape Urbanism, a theory that argues the landscape, rather than architecture, is more capable of organizing the city and enhancing the urban experience. In this episode, JHK reacts to recent remarks by Harvard Prof. Charles Waldheim on Landscape Urbanism at the Congress for the New Urbanism. In particular, Kunstler will respond to Waldheim’s claims that New Urbanism places too much emphasis on neoclassicism while not paying enough attention to environmental concerns of the 21st century.

Links:

Watch Charles Waldheim’s Presentation at the Closing Plenary of CNU 19

JHK Critiques Ed Glaeser’s Ideas on Urbanism

Released: July 7, 2011.

JHK continues his critique of the ideas in Ed Glaeser’s best-selling book Triumph of the City by using excerpts from a talk the Harvard economist gave during the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). Though Glaeser is an advocate for cities in general, Kunstler feels that the shape and character of future cities is not going to be what Glaeser is expecting at all. Kunstler addresses Glaeser’s ideas about transportation subsidies, high-rise buildings, the value of college educated citizens and environmentally friendly urbanism. He also comments on Glaeser’s thoughts about Buffalo, New York. Links: Ed Glaeser: Can Buffalo Ever Come Back? CNU Dispatch: Ed Glaeser is Still a Jackass   Direct Download: KunstlerCast #163: Triumph of the City – Part 2 (31 MB | 36:46 mins.) Listener Caller Line: 1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

These Links Earn Referral Fees for The KunstlerCast   Free Audio Book Download Via Audible Amazon Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, CD, mp3 Audio Book in iTunes Store iPad Book in Apple iBook Store

Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

JHK Critiques Ed Glaeser’s Ideas on Urbanism

Released: June 29, 2011.

JHK critiques the ideas in Ed Glaeser’s best-selling book Triumph of the City by using excerpts from a talk the Harvard economist gave during the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). Though Glaeser is an advocate for cities in general, Kunstler feels that the shape and character of future cities is not going to be what Glaeser is expecting at all. Kunstler says Glaeser is a “master of the self-evident” looking into the rearview mirror. JHK feels that Glaeser is preoccupied with statistics which do not present a coherent and comprehensive view of where cities and civilization is heading. Kunstler feels that Glaeser is overly optimistic about the future of skyscrapers, which do not fare well in JHK’s “Long Emergency” prognosis. Kunstler also shares some new thoughts on the problems of large, vertical condominium buildings.   Direct Download: KunstlerCast #162: Triumph of the City – Part 1 (44 MB | 52:37 mins.) Listener Caller Line: 1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

These Links Earn Referral Fees for The KunstlerCast   Free Audio Book Download Via Audible Amazon Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, CD, mp3 Audio Book in iTunes Store iPad Book in Apple iBook Store

Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

Orion Magazine Interviews JHK

Released: June 23, 2011.

In a special cross promotion, James Howard Kunstler appears on the Orion Magazine podcast for a full episode.

Kunstler’s newest essay, Back to the Future: A road map for tomorrow’s cities, appears in the July/August 2011 issue of Orion magazine.

Orion Magazine Managing Editor Andrew Blechman (a previous guest of the KunstlerCast) interviews author James Howard Kunstler about his recent essay on the future of cities in an age of peak oil and obligatory contraction. According to Kunstler, Phoenix and Las Vegas will be “toast,” skyscrapers will become massive liabilities, suburbs will turn into salvage yards, and commerce will look very different. Kunstler is quite certain that civilization will remain intact, albeit retrofitted with slow trains, sailing ships, and other blasts from the past.

To listen and read, visit: www.orionmagazine.org/cities.

Links:

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

Snapshots from CNU 19 – Madison, Wisc.

Released: June 9, 2011.

In the first of many installments to come, Duncan updates James Howard Kunstler on the recent Congress For the New Urbanism, held June 1-6, 2011 in Madison, Wisc. The Congress for the New Urbanism is a professional association of planners, architects, developers, political leaders and activists who are committed to revitalizing cities and curb the continuation of sprawl. During this show, we hear from: Andres Duany, New Urbanist architect; Ed Glaeser, Harvard economist & author; U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR; Paul Soglin, mayor of Madison, Wisc.; Paul Minett, Ridesharing Institute; Will Allen, Wisconsin farmer and founder of Growing Power; Charles Waldheim, Harvard professor and leader of the Landscape Urbanism movement; and Stefanos Polyzoides, New Urbanist architect. JHK reacts to some short sound bites regarding Landscape Urbanism, skyscraper cities and the development of New Urbanism.

Links:

Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU.org)

Note: The Congress for the New Urbanism is a regular sponsor of this program.

A Community Design Debate

Released: May 19, 2011.

JHK and Duncan look at two new McDonald’s projects in their home towns and touch upon some universal issues with regards to these types of developments appearing throughout North America. Using the comments on a local newspaper blog, they gague how members of the community are reacting and forming a public consensus. While some people in Troy are advocating for a heightened design, others are “violently complacent” about the standard issue Mickey D’s as delivered to automobile strips around the world. Meanwhile, in Saratoga Springs, a developer did create a different take on the Golden Arches. But was the end product better?

Note: This expisode contains explicit language.

Proposed McDonald’s in Troy NY:

Saratoga Springs McDonald’s:
Freeport Maine McDonald’s:

The Articles & Blog Posts:

Is the proposed McDonald’s good for Troy?
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
April 25, 2011

A look at Troy’s proposed McDonald’s
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
April 26, 2011

Protesting a chain’s similarity by design
Chris Churchill Times Union Sunday edition
May 16, 2011

An unusual take on the Troy McDonald’s plan
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
May 17, 2011

Troy officials: Design talk is ‘ridiculously premature’
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
May 18, 2011

Troy officials: Design talk is ‘ridiculously premature’
Cecelia Martinez The Record (Troy)
May 18, 2011

James V. Franco: Bring the Golden Arches to Hoosick Street
The Troy Record
May 19, 2011

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe, Samuel Beckett

Released: Jan. 6, 2011

James Howard Kunstler talks about his literary influences, including H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe and Samuel Beckett. He also explains the role of the social critic and how he separates his critic persona from his own personality. Lastly he muses on what he might like his legacy to be. This conversation, all about writing, is background information for a forthcoming KunstlerCast book.

Note: This episode contains explicit language

To receive an email notification about the forthcoming KunstlerCast book, scheduled to be published this August, sign up for the KunstlerCast email list(about 2 to 3 emails per year)

Support this podcast by purchasing books from Amazon. Authors mentioned in this show: H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe, Samuel Beckett, Chris Hedges, Daniel Quinn, Alan Bloom, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Marshall Berman.

Starbucks City

Released: Oct. 21, 2010

James Howard Kunstler shares his observations of Seattle based on his recent trip to that city. He believes that the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood gives one an idea of what the best of American urbanism can be, inspite of some clunky housing types. Though downtown is active and fairly pleasant, JHK has ominous feelings about the future of its many glass apartment towers. Kunstler also describes the Capitol Hill neighborhood, University District, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. He talks about riding the bus and the lessons we can learn from the lame monorail. Seattle is also home to the ubiquitous coffee chain Starbucks, which has many downsides to it, but which has also introduced some culture to certain places that had previously lacked any sort of “third place.”

Check out JHK’s Book Tour Schedule” http://www.kunstler.com/sched.php

Concentrating Poverty

Released: July 8, 2010.

JHK explores a mostly abandoned low-income housing project in Duncan’s neighborhood. Two of the three 9-story brick “vertical slums” are boarded up and abandoned. They come complete with their own “rape-o-matic” tunnel for pedestrians to travel under the bridge ramp that separates them. Kunstler says these “towers in a park” are based on the ideas of Le Corbusier, the Swiss-French architect/planner whose “Radiant City” plans envisioned turning the right bank of Paris into a series of high rise towers connected by highways. Corbu’s plans were not implemented in Paris, but his ideas didn’t die. In fact they morphed into what are commonly known as “the projects,” low-income high rise towers all around the U.S. and indeed the world. Taking inspiration by the housing projects in Troy, Kunstler explains the history of this style of low-income housing and its detrimental side effects.

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

Strolling Uncle Sam’s Neighborhood

Released: July 3, 2010.

JHK and Duncan celebrate the Fourth of July by touring Uncle Sam’s neighborhood. They stroll down Second Street in Troy NY, admiring the 19th century architecture along the way. Destinations include: Russell Sage College, the county court house and one of only two privately owned and maintained residential green squares in New York state (the other is the famous Gramercy Park in Manhattan). They speak to some workers laying a stone street by hand, and explore the alley in an exclusive neighborhood. You can watch and listen with the player below.

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

History, The Prankster

Released: June 24, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler reports on his recent trip to Berlin, Germany…where everybody knows his name. Thirteen years ago, JHK traveled to Berlin to research a chapter for his third nonfiction book, The City in Mind. On his recent trip, he discovered that the place has healed remarkably over the past decade. Of course he had to go check in on the Führerbunker which is now the site of one of city’s few surface parking lots. History is a great prankster and therefore it’s no surprise to Kunstler that while the U.S. won the war against Germany, its cities looked bombed out. While Germany lost the war and its cities are beautiful, civilized places. Listeners end the show with their reactions to the BP oil spill.

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

Notes from the New South

Released: June 10, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler shares his observations after a recent trip to Atlanta, Ga. Check out JHK’s Essay “The Horror of Downtown Atlanta.”

Atlanta

The New New Urbanism?

Released: May 27, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler recently returned from the 18th Annual Congress for the New Urbanism. Agrarian urbanism was a hot topic among many New Urbanists at the Congress and in this episode Kunstler takes the time to explore the topic of food production in cities. Rising energy prices and poor growing weather may lead to global food shortages, but JHK believes that the idea of feeding the U.S. population with rooftop gardens and skyscraper terrariums is absurd. Gardening and even raising certain animals in the city was a normal part of urban life before World War II and we may see a return of some of those practices. But Kunstler believes that it is important to cut through some of the fantasies to figure out what’s really possible. We must also be careful not to confuse the urban with the rural.

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from The Law Office of Paul C. Rapp … Specializing in intellectual property law including copyright, trademark, Internet, art and entertainment matters. Paul Rapp is licensed in New York and Massachusetts. For information visit: PaulRapp.com

Inversion of Assumed Roles

Released: May 20, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler examines the politics of place. Are the suburbs more conservative than cities? Why are people who try to conserve the historic fabric of their towns branded as radical liberals, while the agents of destruction in those towns call themselves “conservative?” What is the historical relationship between political ideas and the places where they originate from? JHK addresses these questions in today’s episode.

Sponsor:

Today’s program is sponsored by Audible, the Internet’s leading provider of spokeword entertainment with more than 75,000 titles in every genre to chose from. For a free audiobook download and 14-day trial, sign up today at Audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

Despotic Modernist Architecture

Released: May 13, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler explains the origins of brutalism, the modernist architectural style that resulted in the horrible, poured concrete bunker-like buildings found all across the world. JHK explains why these concrete buildings age more rapidly, and less gracefully, than Roman concrete buildings. He also tells the story of how Hitler inspired (indirectly) these despotic structures. Specific examples of brutalist buildings discussed in this episode are: Boston City Hall, Troy City Hall, the Paul Rudolph building at Yale University and The Third Church of Christ, Scientist, in Washington, D.C.

Building for the Human Figure

Released: May 6, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler explains what it means to build to the human scale and how our modern built environment fails to do this.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_110.mp3
(18 MB | 29:23 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Passionate Positions on Parking

Released: March 18, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler is sometimes propelled into “mad dog mode” when speaking about the modern American landscape. But tempers fly on all sides of these urban policy debates. And there are many times when the only sane response is to be angry about what we’ve done to the North American landscape over the past 50 years. In this conversation, JHK explores the heightened emotions that erupt over the issue of parking in small cities and towns. Community leaders across the country still believe that motoring and car storage will be the determining factor in everything. But JHK thinks that one day soon everyone will just wake up with a different idea, because it will be self-evident that densely conceived and executed redevelopment will be necessary.

[Note: This program contains explicit language.]

Program Sponsor:

PostPeakLiving.com, offering a new online course this April 24 led by psychologist Carolyn Baker who will teach students to deal with the emotional aspects of facing peak oil. Register today at: http://PostPeakLiving.com

The End of Jive Plastic Homes

Released: March 11, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler believes that one way or another, we’re going to end up living in a very different daily environment than the one we’re used to. In this episode, he discusses the future of building materials. JHK doesn’t believe that we’ll continue to use the same “jive plastic” production home building materials and techniques in the future. He’s been thinking a lot about how we’re going to re-orient the building trades to use less exotic materials and fewer fabricated, mass-produced items. He describes the diminishing returns of fake cladding materials and snap-together home kits. He ponders the re-use of salvaged suburban building materials. Finally, he takes a moment to consider the re-use of abandoned shipping containers for human habitation.

[Note: This program contains explicit language.]

Program Sponsor:

PostPeakLiving.com, offering a new online course this April 24 led by psychologist Carolyn Baker who will teach students to deal with the emotional aspects of facing peak oil. Register today at: http://PostPeakLiving.com

Our Cartoon Landscape

Released: Dec. 24, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler explains the story behind Disneyland, Disney World, and Walt Disney’s legacy on the American built environment.

Announcement:

There will be a staged-reading of James Howard Kunstler’s play, “Big Slide” this Jan. 9 at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center in Rochester NY. The playwright will introduce the show, which begins a 7:30 p.m. Admission is pay what you can. For information, visit: http://muccc.org

Programming Young People for Cynicism

Released: Dec. 17, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler discusses the built environment on the American college campus and how modernist ideas about architecture are programming young people to become cynical. Kunstler talks about some of the ugliest campuses in the country, as well as some of the best. Even some of the best beaux arts Ivy league campuses have been thrashed by starchitecture, parking lots, and “diversity monomania.”

[Note to re-broadcasters: This show contains one curseword at 12:57 and 26:09]

Wavy Glass Building at University at Albany (SUNY)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for a post-peak world. Enroll now in our new e-learning course, or our 6-week, instructor led Un-Crash Course. Find out more at: http://postpeakliving.com.

Empty Gestures, Darth Vader Windows & Porches for Leprechauns

Released: Nov. 19, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler thinks that most modern buildings are not really architecture, they’re just manufactured boxes. Whether it’s suburban houses, or retail stores, the buildings of our everyday environment send the message that we don’t care about ourselves or our surroundings. Kunstler tackles cartoon eateries, reflective glass office buildings, and otherwise good new urban buildings that lack proper ornamentation. We hear from a listener caller in Pittsburgh at the end of the show.

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Chelsea Green, publisher of Waiting on a Train by James McCommons, with forward by James Howard Kunstler. Waiting on a Train is a critical look at the embattled future of passenger rail service, told by a journalist who spent one year traveling across America by train in 2008. Look for “Waiting on a Train” at your local bookstore, or visit: http://chelseagreen.com.

Additional support for this program comes from PostPeakLiving.com Additional support for this podcast comes from PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for a post-peak world. Find out more at: http://postpeakliving.com

Rails to Freakish Parks

Released: Oct. 29, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler discusses two major projects that have recently turned 19th century railroad structures into parks: the High Line in lower Manhattan and the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The High Line is a unique park in New York City, built upon a former elevated rail line that used to bring trains through buildings. Although the High Line gives reprieve to New Yorkers, Kunstler finds it to be an accidental freak of urban nature. We would benefit more from the deliberate creation of beautifully designed streets and boulevards at grade level. The Walkway Over the Hudson is an extremely long railroad bridge that now serves as a pedestrian park. On the plus side, Kunstler believes this type of project might protect the bridge so that it doesn’t completely fall apart. But he finds it tragic that America has discarded the major investments it once made in a rail system. A listener caller who is an urban planner in Vancouver shares his thoughts on adaptive reuse of buildings.

Click on the images above to view a larger version. The first four photos are of the High Line. The last three photos are the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Revolution Hall, inviting you to come see Deer Tick, the band that sings the KunstlerCast theme song, this Nov. 4 in Troy NY. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy tickets online at RevolutionHall.com.

The Last Major Renovation of Manhattan

Released: Oct. 22, 2009.

Inspired by David Owen’s book “Green Metropolis,” James Howard Kunstler examines the idea of Manhattan as a “green” city. Kunstler believes that, during his lifetime, New York has never been in as good shape as it is now. But he also thinks it will never be in as good shape again. Financial and energy problems in the future may turn our newest skyscrapers into one-generation buildings, outlandish monuments built during the twilight of an empire. Of all the boroughs, Kunstler thinks Brooklyn may fare the best because of its higher quality urban fabric.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_85.mp3
(35 MB | 30:53 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Grinning Planet, providing real news in a free weekly mp3 format. Grinning Planet compiles the best audio news coverage of the week on a single page to save you time and cut through the mainstream propaganda. Listen at: http://www.grinningplanet.com/mp3-news

Mitigating Climate Change & Saving Energy Costs

Released: Sept 17, 2009.

Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, is advocating for people to paint their rooftops white in order to save on energy and to cut down on global warming. James Howard Kunstler reacts to this idea and also addresses the topic of rooftop gardens, or “green” roofs.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_80.mp3
(17 MB | 18: 29 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is New Society Publishers, the leading publisher of Peak Oil thinkers such as Dmitry Orlov, Richard Heinberg, and Sharon Astyk. NewSociety.com

Andrés Duany & The Dilemma of Male Space

Released: August 20, 2009.

A “man cave” discovered in a government complex made national news earlier this month. Eminent new urbanist planner Andrés Duany was prompted to speak out in defense of the man cave and “male space” in general, which he sees as a disappearing habitat in modern America. James Howard Kunstler and host Duncan Crary listen to a recording of Duany’s “The Dilemma of Male Space” and further explore the concept of male space. Not only does Kunstler believe that male space is disappearing in suburbia, but he thinks adult space in general is endangered.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_76mp3
(36 MB | 38:52 mins.)

Relevant Links:

• Cavemen, by Ben McGrath, New Yorker, Aug. 3, 2009.
• State: ‘Man cave’ hid drug den, Times Union, July 18, 2009.
• The Dilemma of Male Space, Recorded by Kate Gmyrek, CNU XIV, 2006.
• DPZ – Company

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for the post peak oil world. Use “KunstlerCast” as your discount code.

The Residue of Pre-industrial Artistry and Craft

Released: June 11, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler addresses some issues regarding historic preservation. Kunstler supports historic preservation, because adaptive reuse is part of what makes the great European cities so rewarding to be in. According to Kunstler, the historic preservation movement really ramped up in the U.S. after the destruction of Penn Station in New York City. At times the historic preservation movement has gotten hysterical to save any scrap of anything built before WWII. But Kunstler believes that hysteria is understandable when one considers that modern Americans do not create buildings that are as good as the old buildings we are losing. Other topics include facade preservation, cheap cladding, a return of traditional building materials, passive heating, cooling and energy conservation.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_68.mp3
(25 MB | 26:42 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for the post peak oil world.

Google Street Views of Buildings Discussed in this Podcast

Proctor’s Troy, NY

(1:22 mins)

View Larger Map

Wellington Row, Albany, NY

(7:12 mins)

View Larger Map

Elk Street, Albany NY

(10:41 mins)

View Larger Map

JHK Gives a Walking tour of Paris using Google Street View

Released: March 19, 2009.

At the suggestion of a listener caller, James Howard Kunstler gives a virtual walking tour of Paris, France using Google Street View. Google Street View is an interactive photographic map that allows users to view photographs of streets and buildings in many cities throughout the world. Users can follow along with this program using the embedded Google Street View windows below. This installment of the KunstlerCast is sponsored by Audible.com. KunstlerCast listeners can receive a free audio book dowload by visiting: audiblepodcast.com/kunstler (restrictions may apply outside the U.S. and Canada).

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_56.mp3

(42 MB | 45:14 mins.)

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Destination 1: 20 Rue Lepic, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 3:37 to 15:54 on the podcast. Head up the hill.

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Destination 2: 21 Avenue Kleber, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 15:55 to 32:23 on the podcast. Move up and down the street, looking at the buildings on the sides.

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Destination 3: Rue Lacépède / Place de la Contrescarpe, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 32:34 to 34:33 of the podcast.

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Destination 4: Place Jacques Rueff, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 35:47 to 40:33 of the podcast. Look into the park. (The Eiffel Tower is behind you.) Travel North to Avenue Joseph Bouvard to see more of the park.

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Anti-Social, Despotic, Architecture

Released: Feb. 26, 2009.

A listener asks James Howard Kunstler to react to the Feb. 9 fire that destroyed a Beijing building by Dutch starchitect Rem Koolhaas. Kunstler believes many famous architects, including Koolhaas, often strive to confound people in order to appear supernaturally brilliant. It’s all in the service of grandiosity and narcissism, though. Rather than attempting to disturb our expectations, architects should strive to give us buildings that are neurologically comprehensible and that satisfy our need for cultural orientation. Kunstler also takes shots at a proposed skyscraper in Boston and the Southern Poverty Law Center. **Tim Halber, managing editor of Planetizen, responds in a listener comment to Duncan’s recent comments about the failures of new urbanism.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_53.mp3
( 29 MB | 31:34 mins.)

Rem Koolhaas CCTV building in Beijing,
photo by Iamdavidtheking.

The Future of New Urbanism is Urbanism

Released: Feb. 12, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler is back from a visit to the American South. He reports on two New Urbanist developments outside of Montgomery, Alabama. In many ways Kunstler believes that the new urbanist model of building 400 acre “traditional neighborhoods” out in the green fields of suburbia is over. He explains the relationship between new urbanism, suburbanism and just plain old urbanism. Kunstler’s journey also took him to revisit Seaside, Florida, one of the most famous new urbanist projects produced by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. Many people criticize Seaside for being elite and artificial. But Kunstler says Seaside will probably feel more authentic as it ages naturally.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_51.mp3
( 29 MB | 31:39 mins.)

In this movie still from The Truman Show, Jim Carey is shown walking in Seaside, Florida. Source: Jim Carrey Online

Inadvertantly Promoting Sprawl

Released: July. 10, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler explores the consequences of handicap access laws and codes, and how they have unintentionally promoted suburban sprawl throughout much of America. In many instances, developers feel it’s easier and cheaper to just build one-story buildings rather than multi-story handicap accessible buildings. These laws can also discourage the retrofitting of second and third story retail space in old “Main Street” buildings as well. So while handicap access codes may make it easier for some people to use our built environment, they can also indirectly make it more difficult for those do not own a car.

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KunstlerCast_22.mp3
( 13 MB | 17:13 mins.)

Life after oil in small cities

Released: May 22, 2008.

A listener from Canada asks if small cities will be willing and able to absorb more people after peak oil makes big city life problematic. James Howard Kunstler believes that many small cities across North America are waiting to be reactivated. These places would benefit from having more people living in them. But in order to prepare for returning populations, they will need to return to a much smaller increment of development.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_15.mp3
( 10 MB | 15 mins.)

Transit, building and behavior as oil prices rise

Released: May 8, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler takes questions on personal rapid transit, sustainable green buildings and the happy motoring program in America. He also scolds us for us referring to ourselves as consumers. This show is the result of a special collaboration between The KunstlerCast and Planetizen, the online network for professional planners.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_13.mp3
(7.1 MB | 15 mins.)

Image courtesy of Ken Avidor.

The Seattle Public Library and other award-winning disastrous architecture

Released: March 13, 2008.

How and why did Seattle build that hideous new public library? asks one listener from that city. James Howard Kunstler tells us how cities get hoodwinked into a status fashion contest to have a museum or library built by one of the celebrity architects of the day. Rem Koolhass, Frank Gehry, Peter Eisenman and others are deliberately designing these disastrous, anxiety-inducing mothership UFOs in order to mystify people into thinking they’re supernaturally brilliant. And then we’re stuck with these Gillette Blue Blade-clad fun houses for decades.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_05.mp3
(7.1 MB | 15 min.)

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Seattle Public Library by Rem Koolhaas. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Retooling parking in Columbus, Ohio

Released: March 6, 2008.

A listener from Columbus, Ohio shares the bad news about two proposed downtown parking garages. Even though James Howard Kunstler thinks the happy motoring scene in America is on the way out, he explains how to design a better parking garage with first-floor retail, a central lightwell and taller ceilings. The Europeans have a better solution, though: the car club.

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Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_04.mp3
(7 MB | 14:39 mins )

Parking garage, Columbus, Ohio

Disposable architecture

Released: Feb. 12, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler rips on drugstores: the one-story, junk food- dispensing boxes that masquerade as buildings on America’s street corners.

Topics include: monocultural zoning; big retail vs. mom & pop; separating the business programming from the container that it comes in; and the destiny of these awful structures after the cheap oil fiesta is over.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_01.mp3
(7 MB | 14:50 mins.)

Drugstore, Saratoga Springs, NY.